Fairlawn Primary School celebrates successful first Ofsted inspection

Posted by Alex Diggins | July 13, 2018 | School life

Fairlawn Primary School has received a ‘Good’ judgement in its first Ofsted inspection. The school, which opened nearly three years ago in Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, was rated 'Good' in all areas by the education watchdog.

“Good relationships between adults and pupils are evident across the school,” the inspector, Paul Smith, wrote in his report. “Teachers and support staff are very committed to pupils’ care and well-being. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly supportive and happy with the school and its leadership. Leaders and governors are very proud of the school and ensure that everyone works closely as a team.”

Mr Smith judged the school, which has 95 pupils in Reception and Years 1 and 2, to be Good for leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching and learning, achievement of pupils and early years provision.

He further highlighted the children’s strong understanding of the school’s values of respect, responsibility, curiosity and resilience. “Staff have a good understanding of the different cultures and heritages of the pupils. As a result, they are able to support all pupils in developing their knowledge of life in modern Britain.”

The inspector additionally praised the strong partnership with parents, and their involvement with the school and with their children’s learning. He also noted the “vigilant culture of safeguarding”, which ensured children feel safe and secure.

Mr Smith said the next steps for the school would be to develop middle leaders and improve pupils’ problem-solving skills, writing skills and knowledge of phonics.

Julie Molesworth, Principal of Fairlawn Primary School, part of the Venturers Trust, said everyone at Fairlawn was proud of the inspection outcome. “Pupil well-being is at the heart of everything we do, with a strong sense of partnership between school and family that aims to bring out the very best in every child – I am delighted to see this recognised in the report.”

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